Are you a Nepalese student aspiring to study abroad? Your first step is to understand the process and the step required to accomplish your study goals. And for this, you’ll need answers to many questions, but where do you begin?

At Expert Education, our consultants can guide you through a range of processes, including study destination selection to college admission and visa application. We’ve received several questions from international students in the past. In this post, we will answer those questions to give you an idea of what to expect while you prepare to study abroad.

Multiple questions international students ask Education Consultants 

The following questions are frequently asked by students interested in pursuing studies abroad.

    1. What types of academic documents are required to study abroad?

There is an exhaustive list of documents you need to keep ready for admission to an educational institute or a visa application. The requirements vary slightly depending on the country you choose, your current academic qualifications, the education institute and the type of visa.

• Application Form – This form will contain your personal, academic and professional information to be analysed by the admission committee of an educational institute.

• Official Academic Transcripts – Your academic records, consolidated mark sheets that contain your exam scores, grades, degrees and credits.

• SOP (Statement of Purpose) – This statement is a vital letter you must work on to present your academic and professional background. The SOP is reviewed by the admissions committee of the institution to which you apply. You must also explain your purpose for pursuing that particular course and your reasons for applying to that specific university.

• LOR (Letter of Recommendation) – The LOR is a letter submitted by your professors or supervisors recommending you based on your performance and academic achievements. If you are a working professional, you can also request your manager to submit an LOR stating your professional achievements.

• CV/Resume – A document showing your academic and/or professional achievements.

• Scores in Standardised Tests – English proficiency test scores obtained through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. If you are applying at the undergraduate level, you may require to provide SAT/ACT scores. If you are applying at the Master’s level, you may have to submit GRE/GMAT scores.

• Essay – You may have to submit an essay to university authorities indicating your commitment to studying abroad.  

• Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport. It should have a validity period that extends to a minimum of six months after your planned return to your country of residency.

• Photographs – Submit passport-sized photographs of you based on the criteria specified by admission departments and visa authorities.

• Photo-Identity Card – You may be required to share your identity details through the identity card made in your home country. You may also be asked to submit your proof of residence.

• Proof of Funds – You must submit bank statements in your name or your parent’s/sponsor’s name. This is to prove you have sufficient funding for your stay abroad. When submitting financial statements from your legal guardian/parents/sponsor, you must submit their income proof. If you are supporting your finances, then you must submit proof of your income.

• Health Certificates – You must get a health check-up done and submit the latest reports. You will be required to apply for and possess health insurance and vaccination certifications based on the country specifications where you wish to study.

    2. What types of challenges am I going to face on international grounds?

You will likely face a few challenges as you begin studying and living in a foreign country. The first and foremost might be the culture shock and how people prefer interacting. At first, you may find things overwhelming. But over time and after making good friends, you’ll learn to adjust and probably like the new lifestyle even more.

    3. When is the right time to apply for admission to universities abroad?

The sooner you start, the better when applying for admission to a university abroad. Universities take time to evaluate your application based on the academic information you’ve provided. For instance, if you intend to begin your study program in September, you may ideally apply for admission in January. 

    4. Which is the best country for studying abroad?

There is no absolute answer to this question. However, you can judge your options based on the globally ranked universities abroad. Countries like Australia, Canada, the UK and the US have educational institutes that attract international students worldwide.

    5. What are the various colleges and universities available for me to study abroad?

There are countless options, and educational institutes are segmented based on the subjects they offer. You may contact our education counsellor to help understand your options by first learning about your academic requirements.

    6. What are the different types of tests I should take before applying for admission at a foreign university?

You have to take a language proficiency test for your admission. The most common English Proficiency tests are IELTS, PTE and TOEFL. Depending on the institutions’ requirements, you may also need to take entrance exams such as Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and more. The scores obtained will also be a factor defining your eligibility for the visa you apply for studying abroad.

    7. What are the requirements for SOP, and how do I write it?

The SOP or Statement of Purpose is a letter you must prepare to present your academic and professional background. You must explain your purpose for pursuing your study program of interest and your reasons for applying to that specific university. The university/college admissions committe will review this letter and determine your suitability for the course. 

    8. How do I find out the reputation and history of a university?

You could talk to the alumni of that university and even the faculty to understand how the university fairs in terms of delivering education. Read more about the university through its website. Check out online communities that talk about the university and its events and history alike.

    9. What are the different types of accommodations I can find abroad to study?

There are different types of accommodations available to live abroad while you study. Please refer to the information we’ve shared about study-abroad accommodations.

    10. How do I seek authentic references from students who have studied abroad?

Our counsellors can connect you with international students from Nepal who have studied abroad. They may also be able to update you about the events that follow after completing your studies.

We hope these questions help you get a fair idea of what to expect when you study abroad.